University of Twente (or Twente University) is a university located in Enschede, Netherlands. It offers research and degree programmes in technology, and in the social and behavioural sciences. In keeping with its enterprising spirit, the University is committed to making an economic and social contribution to the region of the Netherlands where it is based. The UT collaborates with Delft University of Technology and Eindhoven University of Technology under the umbrella of the 3TU.Federation, and is also a partner in the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU).
History
The University was founded in 1961 as the Technische Hogeschool Twente, the Netherlands’ third higher vocational institute of technology later to become a university (the other two being Delft and Eindhoven). The Dutch government’s decision to locate the new institute in Enschede, the main city of Twente, had much to do with the north-eastern province’s rich industrial history. Another important consideration was the fact that the local economy needed a boost to compensate for the dwindling textile industry.
Campus
The University of Twente was built on the former country estate of Drienerlo, situated between Hengelo and Enschede. On this beautifully landscaped 140 hectare estate, comprising woodland, meadows and water, architects Van Tijen and Van Embden designed the Netherlands’ first - and so far the only - campus university along American lines. Students and staff live, work and pursue their leisure activities on campus. Through the years, several other important architects and artists have made their own contributions to the design of the campus.
Students and staff at the University of Twente continue to form an active academic community. The campus enjoys excellent sports and cultural facilities that have stimulated the development of a rich mix of student societies, student social events, and a constant flow of new initiatives. The Student Union, which is run entirely by students, promotes the interests of all student societies and also manages several premises, including the student social centre in the heart of Enschede.
Programmes
The degree programmes at the University of Twente range from business studies and applied physics, to biomedical technology and psychology. The curriculum is broad, flexible and relevant to the labour market. Most students combine coursework in their major subject with a coherent set of minors in another discipline. A growing number of foreign students are finding their way to the UT. Almost all postgraduate programmes are taught in English, and half of all PhD students now come from outside the Netherlands.
The University of Twente has a world class research programme. In the applied sciences, the emphasis is on nanotechnology, process technology, engineering, information & communication technology, and the biomedical sciences. The University also has a strong track record in business studies and the behavioural sciences. UT research programmes are organised in six research institutes: • Institute for Nanotechnology (MESA+) • BioMedical Technological Institute (BMTI) • Centre for Telematics and Informationtechnology (CTIT) • Institute for Behavioral Research (IBR) • Institute for Governance Studies (IGS) • Institute of Mechanics, Processes and Control Twente (IMPACT)
The University of Twente sets great store by the useful application of knowledge in society. Patents, life-long learning programmes, and spin-off companies testify to this commitment, as does UT’s intensive involvement in research programmes that enhance knowledge infrastructure in the Netherlands. So far, the UT has produced 600 spin-off companies; more than any other Dutch university.
From the outset, the University of Twente has sought to put the applied sciences in a wider social context. Students and researchers are always challenged to look beyond the boundaries of their own subject area and to establish links between different disciplines. The University of Twente believes that a multidisciplinary approach will stimulate innovation in science and society alike.
Research
The University of Twente conducts world class research that:
- contributes to fundamental technological and social innovation by carrying out experimental and design-oriented technological research in unique combination with social and behavioural science research;
- is underpinned by a strong focus on the implications of technological innovation and the development of the knowledge society;
- is multidisciplinary in character, and rooted in the knowledge base of the underlying disciplines;
- is organised in a limited number of authoritative, distinctive and internationally acclaimed research institutes;
- is carried out in a context of intensive interaction with the public and the private sectors;
creates opportunities for new areas of development, rich in potential.
This mission is being accomplished by a highly motivated, outstanding academic community with the full support of a Student Union charged with the tasks of promoting an active student community and a specific range of high-quality services. Financial prudence, modern human resource management, and adequate housing and facilities are important preconditions to ensure its success.
Institutes
- MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology
- Institute for Biomedical Technology (BMTI)
- Center for Telematics and Information Technology (CTIT)
- Institute for Behavioural Research (IBR)
- Institute for Governance Studies (IGS)
- Institute of Mechanics, Processes and Control Twente (IMPACT)
Faculties
- Behavioural Sciences (GW)
- Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS)
- School of Management and Governance (SMG)
- Engineering Technology (CTW)
- Science and Technology (TNW)
University of Twente was ranked 200th in the 2008 THES-QS World University Ranking.
